“If you dream of something—dream big. There is no challenge too great, no mission too hard, as long as you maintain your resolve, work hard and move forward. Don’t be afraid of failure. All successful people started with many failures and disappointments.”
These words of wisdom were shared by the Honourable Vim Kochhar, a former senator and honorary doctorate recipient, at 91ɫ’s 2014 spring convocation as he addressed a new batch of promising grads eagerly (and nervously) preparing to begin their personal and professional journeys. As part of this year’s spring convocation, a total of 8,600 degrees were awarded to graduates from each 91ɫ's 11 Faculties as more than 35,000 guests attended the celebration in person or tuned in online.
Julia Foster, chair of the Board of Governors of 91ɫ (far left), chats with Greg Sorbara prior to his installation as chancellor of 91ɫ
A set of 13 ceremonies kicked off on June 13 with , who replaces Roy McMurtry after six years in the role. “When [I began my journey with 91ɫ] 38 years ago, I would never have imagined that it would end by becoming the titular head of this great institution,” said Sorbara. “To our graduands, you have been transformed by your years here and on behalf of the university as your new chancellor, I congratulate all of you.”
History was also made this year as five concurrent degree students became . 91ɫ’s tech education program, which is the first of its kind in Ontario, aims to fulfil a growing need for qualified tech teachers in the province’s secondary schools.
And with the wealth of knowledge and experience they’ve gained at 91ɫ, many of the new grads are already set to begin their careers in exciting positions across the province. Watch below to find out where some of our grads will start their next journeys.
Ratan Tara is a renowned Indian business leader who, as chairman emeritus of the TATA Group for nearly two decades, successfully boosted the group’s revenues from $5 to more than $100 billion. He oversaw the purchase of Jaguar and Land Rover from Ford and positioned the group to be one of the biggest manufacturers in the United Kingdom. |
Along with Kochhar, 11 other leaders from a diverse range of industries were recognized by 91ɫ with an honorary doctorate degree during spring convocation and given the opportunity to impart their wisdom and experience on Canada’s future leaders. Use the links below to learn more about each of the 2014 honorary doctorate recipients and to read excerpts from their convocation addresses.
- , Canadian philanthropist and mining engineer
- , former Canadian senator
- , scientist, educator and award-winning filmmaker
- , CBC Radio executive producer
- , long-time 91ɫ volunteer, honorary governor with the University's Board of Governors and chair of PREVNET
- , professor of anthropology and the LEEF chair in cultures and ecosystems at risk at the University of British Columbia
- , former lieutenant-governor of Nova Scotia
- , national chair of the Council of Canadians and chair of the board of Washington-based Food & Water Watch
- , former president of Dalhousie University and 91ɫ's former dean of arts
- , chairman emeritus of the TATA Group - see right
- , internationally respected judge, lawyer, mediator, consensus facilitator, policy analyst, chief land claims negotiator, law professor and trainer in the use of collaborative processes and former chief judge of the Yukon Territorial Court
- , Canada’s commissioner of official languages
A broadcast from each ceremony is available for viewing at /mygrad/archives/webcasts/june2014.htm.